Chicago-area doctor accused of fondling female patients

A Berwyn doctor was arrested and charged Wednesday in connection with fondling four female patients in his practice’s office, according to police.

Cari Brokamp

A Berwyn doctor was arrested and charged Wednesday in connection with fondling four female patients in his practice’s office, according to police.

Dr. Ricardo Arze, a general practitioner who operates his office out of 6925 Cermak Road, was charged with four counts of misdemeanor battery after he inappropriately touched some of his patients, Berwyn Police Chief William Kushner said.

Arze’s medical license was also suspended Tuesday.

Berwyn police have been working with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation for two months investigating Arze, after a woman reported to police that Arze fondled her when she went in for a consultation.

Police contacted the IDFPR, which confirmed it was investigating the matter, and that there was another woman from Berwyn who reported abuse.

The IDFPR’s complaint details the account of several of Arze’s former patients. One patient said Arze rubbed her genitals while asking her if she was sexually aroused, and then became aroused himself, according to the report.

“Dr. Ricardo Arze, M.D., presents an immediate danger to the safety of the public in the state of Illinois,” the complaint said.

Four women have filed reports of inappropriate conduct against the doctor. It is not clear how long the abuse has been happening, Kushner said. He said anyone else with more information can call the department’s detective bureau at (708) 795-5600.

Arze, also a Berwyn resident of the 6900 block of Riverside Drive, will next face a court hearing on the charges at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 7, at the Cook County court house in Maywood.

Two women working the front desk at Arze’s office, which he shares with two other doctors, declined to comment on the charges and no one answered the door at Arze’s home.

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